𝘚𝘞𝘋𝘈𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘉𝘚𝘕𝘌𝘛 𝘸𝘦𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳: 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀, 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻, 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻

The rights and welfare of women and children must be safeguarded by everybody at all times. This principle was the focus of a recent capability-building webinar for Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDA), hosted by the Central Cluster of the Area-Based Standards Network (ABSNet). The EPCALM Foundation participated in this online session on 26 March 2026. 

Established by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), ABSNet brings together registered, licensed, and accredited SWDAs within specific geographical areas in the country. As an SWDA based in Quezon City, EPCALM is part of the ABSNet Central Cluster, which aims to enhance collaboration and accountability in the delivery of social welfare and development services.

During the webinar, Atty. Maria Joy Karen Adraneda-Filio provided a comprehensive overview of key legislative frameworks, including: the Magna Carta of Women: Promoting gender equality and women’s rights; the Safe Spaces Act: Addressing sexual harassment in public, professional, and online spaces; the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act: Detailing support systems for solo parents; and Republic Act No. 8369: Establishing Family Courts for the sensitive handling of family-related cases. 

Additionally, Ms. Daisy Godis discussed the DSWD Beneficiary Protection Policy. This policy outlines clear safeguarding protocols to protect vulnerable groups from abuse and neglect, reinforcing the necessity of strict ethical standards and accountability. (By Sr. Minerva F. Jumawid)